Word: shinnecocks
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...there is an egalitarian spirit to Shinnecock that few other famed courses can claim. Women have always been encouraged to play. The first American-born club pro was John Shippen, an African American who learned his golf at Shinnecock Hills while growing up on the nearby reservation. Even though the Shinnecocks sold the tract to the English in the 18th century, the land still belongs to them in spirit...
...Shinnecock Hills' superintendent, responsible for one of the world's greatest courses and the world's most prestigious tournament, is 41-year-old Peter Smith, the son of former superintendent Elmer Smith, who was the son of George Smith, one of the Shinnecocks who helped maintain the original course. In fact, of the 18 men on Peter Smith's regular crew, 16 are Native Americans, including his son, 20-year-old Brian. "By keeping the tradition of this course," says Peter, "we are keeping the tradition of our tribe...
...whose tribal name is Running Bear, is a benevolent chief. He is unfailingly considerate of his crew members, making sure they have enough money for lunch, enough passes for the Open, enough rest for what he calls "the war" -- when 156 golfers and 30,000 fans a day invade Shinnecock. A 1975 Dartmouth graduate, Smith thought he might become a teacher or a banker. "My father never meant for me to inherit his job. He sent me to Dartmouth to see the world. I saw it, then realized this is what I love...
...When Shinnecock Hills was last host to the Open, in 1986, Smith was new to the job and nervous. But his course produced one of the most exciting Opens in history, with Ray Floyd emerging from a pack of 10 golfers. This time, Smith is a little more confident. "Jack Nicklaus was here the other day, and he said, 'Pete, I can't wait to get back here next week.' That made me feel a lot better...
...Smith's office is a meticulously detailed desk calendar. But one day remains strangely empty. The only notation for Saturday, June 17-when the crowd will be at its peak-is this: ba da boom! An old Shinnecock expression, no doubt...